The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), chaired by Nishantha Samaraweera, conducted a field investigation at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday (9).

The investigation followed a recent review of the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project, based on the Auditor General’s Reports for 2022 and 2023, and the current performance of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL).

The project aimed to increase the number of aircraft stands at BIA through the construction of a Remote Apron and Taxiways. However, it was found that AASL and the Japanese joint venture responsible for design and consultancy services had proceeded without proper technical or operational analysis, hindering the achievement of the project’s objectives.

The Committee noted that AASL had proposed solutions to address the issues and complete the project. COPE members discussed the situation with representatives from the Japanese joint venture and senior AASL officials, expressing concerns about the financial losses incurred due to poor planning and oversight.

The Committee emphasised the need for careful planning in future development projects to prevent misuse of public funds and recommended more thorough attention to such issues at the planning stage.

COPE plans to reconvene with AASL officials for further discussions on the matter.